Combining two therapies to improve outcomes for liver cancer patients before surgery

A Phase II and Biomarker Study of Dual VEGF/PD-L1 Blockade in Neoadjuvant Setting in Resectable HCC Patients

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11046656

This study is looking at a new treatment that combines two therapies to help boost the immune system in liver cancer patients who are about to have surgery, with the hope of improving their chances of recovery and preventing the cancer from coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046656 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of a combination therapy that blocks two specific pathways in liver cancer patients who are eligible for surgery. The goal is to enhance the immune response against the cancer and reduce the chances of recurrence after surgery. Patients will receive this treatment before their surgical procedure, and researchers will analyze the effects on tumor response and immune system changes. The study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict which patients will benefit most from this approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are preparing for surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with non-resectable liver cancer or those who have already undergone surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and reduced recurrence of liver cancer after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this research.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.